consequence

i've got a new book on my wishlist, and it's straight at the top: consequence: beyond resisting rape. it's by loolwa khazzoom. it sounds like one bad-ass book; if you want to get me a copy, here's all about it.

i know that if you haven't felt like this cover - or like this book describes - you must be a man. you don't have to be a dickhead to not understand the experience, but fucking sexual harassment is like a plague upon the earth. thank god i don't like boys because i would be schizophrenic from my overwhelming need to wish for the sudden death of all men on the planet. i think if i liked boys i'd be stark fucking raving mad.

anyway, i want it. i want it so i can learn and revel. i want it so i can be braver than i am. i want it so i can enjoy her uncontrolled rage at being a piece of meat.

god, it's all so inane. it sounds so bland, when it's so fucking insidious. i can't even tell you how outrageous it is to experience.

well, that's enough about me, i think. here's the description of consequence, followed by an excerpt:

Xena, Buffy, & Dark Angel all make a great fantasy...
BUT YOU'VE JUST HIT REALITY!

Consequence follows the adventures of Loolwa Khazzoom as she pushes the envelopes in responding to daily doses of sexual harassment. Whether grabbing the balls of a soldier, hitting a security guard in the face or taking on the whole damn system, her boldness and humor will bring you on a breathtaking roller-coaster ride over the edges of socialization.

* * * * *

"Hello, sweetie, how are you?"

It started from the moment I stepped off the airport bus. Innocuous-sounding enough, but poison in its context. Wherever I went, whatever I did, there he would be, in my face. Asking me questions, making comments. I could not lie on the beach alone, walk down the street alone, sit at a cafe alone. It was constant, unceasing, without mercy. And without consequence.

"Don't start with me," I cautioned the first two. "Whopa!" they said, simultaneously impressed and entertained by my response. They left me alone after that; but usually I was not so lucky.

things go downhill from there - for the men, anyway. check it out yourself, there's a nice excerpt on her page.

unfortunately, the book is sold out... you can try a.k. press or e-mail zzoomzzoom productions for more info. you can also try amazon, they might have used copies listed.